Texas Health approved a systemwide policy this year that provides a standardized process for bonus payments and exam fee reimbursements for registered nurses who achieve a national nursing specialty certification. Regina Wellborn, BSN, RN-CMSRN, Med-Surg Unit at Texas Health Stephenville, shares her journey to medical surgical nurse certification.
Length of service at Texas Health: Nine years with Texas Health Stephenville
Number of years as a nurse: 12
Specialty certification: CMSRN (certified medical surgical nurse); Level IV – Nursing Career Advancement Program (NCAP)
Number of years with this specialty certification: Five years CMSRN; four years Level IV NCAP
What do you enjoy most about being a nurse? I enjoy being able to provide educational and emotional support to my patients and their families during what is often a difficult time in their lives. I recognize the importance of providing active listening, asking clarifying questions and considering the background of the situation to recommend appropriate solutions based on assessment and feedback.
Why do you enjoy working in your department? I enjoy bedside nursing more today than ever, and I believe Texas Health Stephenville has afforded me the ability to flourish. This organization provides me an opportunity to interact and care for a diverse population of individuals ranging in age from 28 days of life to hospice care. As a nurse at this hospital, we work to be competent in caring for medical, surgical, pediatric, hospice, outpatient and telemetry patients. The Texas Health Stephenville Med/Surg staff is a group of caring, supportive and compassionate individuals working to take care of each other and our patients.
What inspired you to choose your career path in nursing? My youngest son was hospitalized at an early age with epiglottitis and croup. It was here at Texas Health Stephenville that I was touched by the support, compassion and education provided by the staff. I decided I wanted to provide this comfort to others in their time of vulnerability. I believe it is imperative that we take time to ensure our patients and their families completely understand the situation and their options.
Why did you choose to pursue this specialty certification? Growth and development are emphasized throughout Texas Health; we are fortunate to be supported to grow in our profession. I researched several specialty certifications and believed this certification would allow me to achieve my personal best and improve my ability to provide excellent patient care. I believe in learning something new every day.
Do you think having a specialty certification has helped you advance in your career? How so? Yes, becoming a certified medical surgical nurse has afforded me the confidence to advance in my nursing profession. I now act as bedside nurse, team leader, or nurse preceptor for the Texas Health Stephenville Versant® Program. Achieving the certification allowed me the ability to advance to a Level IV NCAP participant and become an active member on several nursing committees. I have the honor to be a voice for my fellow front-line nurses.
Why do you think it’s important for nurses to keep their skills sharp and pursue certifications in their field of specialty? Nursing is a fast paced and demanding role that requires dedication and commitment. I believe it is imperative that nurses take personal responsibility to continually learn and challenge themselves to ensure their patients receive excellent evidence-based practice.
How do you think earning a specialty certification is an example of living the Our Texas Health Promise℠ Behavior: “I promise to continually learn and improve”? Texas Health provides a wealth of opportunities to learn, grow and advance in the field of nursing. Nurses need to continually learn and uphold professional standards to ensure excellent care is provided to their patients in every situation.
Is there anything else you want your colleagues to know? Home/life balance is important. The desire to continuously grow is wonderful, but to have true success, both your professional and personal lives should be balanced.
by Brand Experience Communications • Posted September 27, 2018
